‘Furious’ residents slam plans to axe Sheffield WWI memorial trees

Residents on a Sheffield street claim to be ‘furious’ over plans to axe mature trees planted to honour fallen WW1 soldiers.

This week Sheffield Council announced plans to fell the trees on Western Road, in Crookes, as part of the Streets Ahead road improvement scheme with Amey.

Robin Ridley, Crookes and Western Road coordinator for the STAG campaign, said: “There are a lot of shocked and unhappy people – we are furious and genuinely upset to lose them.” He said 96 were planted in April 1918, of which 60 remain. Robin

He said 96 trees were planted in April 1918, of which 60 remain. Robin believes the ‘vast majority’ will be axed. to honour WWI soldiers who died in battle. There are currently 60 on the street.

A spokesman for Sheffield City Council said: “We understand that that people feel strongly about the trees on Western Road. Unfortunately, trees do not live forever. However, we do plan to work to sensitively ensure that this avenue of trees will continue to remain in place.

“Where tree removal is the only reasonably practicable option, we will look to use replacement planting to retain the identity of this street.

“The council has been called out to deal with numerous safety defects with this specific tree in recent years, including a large branch shearing out of the tree that fell onto the pavement.

“We still await the outcome of the resident surveys and any recommendations from the Independent Tree Panel for consideration, as well as continuing to review the condition of this tree. We will continue to do this in the coming months before a decision is made about whether the tree can be safely retained longer-term.”